DE102018100134A1 - Reinforcement structure for bead seal in a plate assembly - Google Patents

Abstract

A plate assembly has a first plate with a flat portion and a first bead seal formed therein. The first bead seal has a first end surface spaced from the planar portion. The first bead seal includes first and second opposing sides extending from the first end surface and adjacent the planar portion. The first bead seal has a first reinforcing structure having a first plurality of walls each intersecting the first opposite side of the first bead seal. The first plate has a second bead seal formed therein. The first bead seal and the second bead seal may be interconnected via the first reinforcing structure so that the first plurality of walls of the first reinforcing structure intersect a third opposing side of the second bead seal, respectively.

Description

introduction

The present disclosure relates to a reinforcing structure for a bead seal in a plate assembly. Plate assemblies, including but not limited to fuel cells, use a stack of plates that are held together and compressed. Bead seals are used to prevent the escape of fluids between the various plates and to define a seal path. Due to several curvatures of the sealing path, some areas show large pressure fluctuations. It can be difficult to control the bead pressure, especially with double or triple bead seals in close proximity.

SUMMARY

A plate assembly includes a first plate having a planar portion and a first bead seal formed therein. The first bead seal has a first end surface spaced from the planar portion. The first bead seal has first and second opposite sides extending away from the first end surface and adjacent to the planar portion. The first bead seal comprises a first reinforcing structure. The first reinforcing structure has a first plurality of walls, each intersecting the first opposite side of the first bead seal. The first reinforcing structure may have an arc shape.

A second reinforcing structure may be formed on the second opposite side of the first bead seal. The second reinforcing structure defines a second plurality of walls each intersecting the second opposing side. The second reinforcing structure extends in a direction opposite to the first reinforcing structure. The second reinforcing structure defines a closed end.

The first plate has a second bead seal formed therein. The second bead seal has a second end surface spaced from the planar portion. The second bead seal has third and fourth opposite sides extending away from the second end surface and adjacent to the planar portion. The first bead seal and the second bead seal may be connected via the first reinforcing structure such that the first plurality of walls of the first reinforcing structure intersect the third opposite side of the second bead seal, respectively.

The first plate may define a plurality of openings. The first bead seal may define one of the plurality of openings. The first plate includes an active area having a plurality of sealing elements spaced apart from each other. The second bead seal may circumscribe the active area and at least two of the plurality of openings. The first plate may have a substantially rectangular shape defining first and second plate edges. The active area may be positioned between the first and second plate edges.

A third reinforcing structure may be formed on the second opposite side of the second bead seal. The third reinforcing structure may define a closed end and be disposed directly over the first reinforcing structure. Fourth and one fifth reinforcing structures may be formed on the third and fourth opposite sides of the second bead seal, respectively. The fourth and fifth reinforcing structures extend in opposite directions away from the second bead seal and each define a respective closed end. A first crossing plane is defined at an intersection of the first bead seal and the first reinforcing structure. A second crossing plane is defined at an intersection of the second bead seal and the first reinforcing structure. A barrier may be positioned on at least one of the first and second crossing planes, wherein the barrier is configured to prevent fluid flow between the first bead seal and the second bead seal.

The first plate may have a third bead seal formed therein, the third bead seal having a third end surface spaced from the planar portion. The third bead seal has fifth and sixth opposite sides extending away from the third end surface and adjacent to the planar portion. A plurality of sixth reinforcing structures repeating at a predefined fixed interval may be formed on the fifth opposite side of the third bead seal. A plurality of seventh reinforcing structures repeating in the predefined fixed interval may be formed on the sixth opposite side of the third bead seal. Each of the plurality of sixth reinforcing structures may be arranged diagonally opposite another one of the plurality of seventh reinforcing structures.

The above features and advantages and other features and advantages of the present disclosure will become more apparent from the following detailed description of the best modes for carrying out the same Revelation readily apparent in connection with the accompanying drawings.

list of figures

• 1 Figure 3 is a schematic plan view of a plate assembly having a first plate with a first bead seal;
• 2 is a schematic fragmentary perspective view of the section 2 of 1 ;
• 3 is a schematic partial perspective fragmentary view partially in section of section 3 of 2 ; and
• 4 FIG. 12 is a schematic fragmentary perspective view of a disk assembly according to another embodiment. FIG.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring to the drawings, in which like reference numerals refer to like components, there is shown 1 schematically a schematic plan view of a plate assembly 10 , The assembly 10 can be part of a device 11 be. The device 11 may be a fuel cell that combines a fuel such as hydrogen and an oxidant such as oxygen to generate electricity for driving various devices including vehicles. For example, the device may 11 an electrolyzer or an electrochemical compressor system. The device 11 can take many different forms and include multiple and / or alternative components and devices. Referring to 1 the assembly 10 has a first plate 12 with a flat section 14 on (the assembly 10 can a second plate 82 include that below with reference to 3 will be described). The first plate 12 includes a plurality of elongated protrusions formed therein and referred to herein as a plurality of bead seals 16. The majority of bead seals 16 can be formed via a punching process.

2 is a schematic enlarged view of the section 2 from 1 , Referring to 1 and 2 includes the plurality of bead seals 16 a first bead seal 18 , a second bead seal 20 and a third bead seal 22 , Referring to 1 defines the first plate 12 a plurality of openings 24 , In the embodiment shown, there are first to sixth openings 24A-F but other numbers of openings may be used. The first plate 12 includes a plurality of flow channels 28 that are configured to control the reactant flow over an active area 26 respectively. Referring to 1 can the first plate 12 have a substantially rectangular shape, the first and second plate edges 30 . 32 Are defined. The active area 26 may be positioned between the first and second sets of plate edges 30, 32. Referring to 1 can the majority of flow channels 28 define a sinusoidal shape and may be positioned so that their respective maxima 38 and respective minima 40 are aligned in the longitudinal direction. Other arrangements used by those skilled in the art may be used.

Referring to 1 can be the first bead seal 18 one of the openings 24 for example, the first opening 24A , rewrite. The third bead seal 22 can another one of the openings 24 , such as the second opening 24B , rewrite. The second bead seal 20 may extend along an outer periphery of the first plate 12 extend. The second bead seal 20 can be the active area 26 and at least two of the plurality of openings 24 like the second opening 24B and the third opening 24C , rewrite. The second bead seal 20 may be four of the plurality of openings (eg, openings 24B , C, E, F) and the active region 26 rewrite. The second opening 24B is from both the second bead seal 20 as well as the third bead seal 22 eingekapseit. It will be understood that other arrangements used by those skilled in the art can be used.

Referring to 1 has the first plate 12 a plurality of reinforcing structures 44 at the first bead seal 18 and / or the second bead seal 20 on. The majority of reinforcement structures 44 may be formed by a stamping operation and help to provide a contact pressure on the sealing surface of the first and second bead seals 18 . 20 compensate. Referring to 2 are shown first, second, third, fourth and fifth gain structures R1, R2, R3, R4 and R5. Due to multiple curvatures of the seal path (defined by the first and second bead seals 18 . 20 ) some areas have a low pressure. Large pressure fluctuation is particularly observed where double or triple bead seals are in close proximity, as the bead pressure is affected by adjacent beads. Each of the plurality of reinforcing structures 44 Helps eliminate low pressure points, improve contact pressure uniformity, and increase bead stiffness. The respective sealing paths remain unchanged.

3 is a schematic view of the section 3 from 2 , Referring to the 2 - 3 includes the first bead seal 18 a first end surface 46 coming from the plane section 14 the first plate 12 is spaced. The first bead seal 18 has first and second opposite pages 48 . 50 on, extending from the first end face 46 extend away and to the level section 14 adjoin. Referring to 3 For example, the first reinforcing structure R1 has a first plurality of walls 52 on, each the first opposite side 48 the first bead seal 18 to cut. The first plurality of walls 52 includes a closed upper surface 53 that here as a reinforcing surface 53 and reinforcing sides 55 , in the 3 are shown. Referring to 3 includes the second bead seal 20 a second end surface 54 extending from the planar portion 14 is spaced. The second bead seal 20 has third and fourth opposite sides 56 . 58 on, extending from the second end face 54 away and adjacent to the flat section 14 extend. The height of the reinforcement surface 53 the first reinforcing structure R1 from the planar portion 14 is lower than the height of the first end surface 46 from the flat section 14 , and the reinforcement surface 53 is not brought into contact with the sealing surface. The height of the first end face 46 from the flat section 14 is the same as the height of the second end face 54 from the flat section 14 , Also, the height of the third bead seal 22 from the flat section 14 the same as the height of the first end face 46 and the second end surface 54 from the flat section 14 , The first endface 46 and the second end surface 54 are brought into contact with an MEA (not shown) and absorb pressure loads.

Referring to 3 For example, the first reinforcing structure R1 may be the first bead seal 18 and the second bead seal 20 connect such that the first plurality of walls 52 (the first reinforcing structure R1), respectively, the third opposite side 56 the second bead seal 20 cuts. Referring to 2 For example, the first reinforcing structure R1 may have an arcuate shape. Referring to FIG. 2, an additional reinforcing structure may be provided 60 and the first reinforcing structure R1, the first and second bead seals 18 . 20 connect and extend in a direction substantially perpendicular to the first bead seal 18 and / or the second bead seal 20 is. In a case where the first and second bead seals 18 . 20 are not parallel to each other, the first reinforcing structure R1 has a curved intermediate portion.

Referring to 2 - 3 is a first crossing level 62 at the intersection of the first bead seal 18 and the first reinforcing structure R1. A second crossing level 64 is at the intersection of the second bead seal 20 and the first reinforcing structure R1. Referring to 3 can be a barrier 66 be positioned at one or both of the first and second crossing planes 62, 64 and configured to allow fluid flow between the first bead seal 18 and the second bead seal 20 to prevent. The barrier 66 may be made of an elastomer, metal or other material. Alternatively, the first and second intersection levels 62 . 64 be open to fluid flow between the first bead seal 18 and the second bead seal 20 to enable.

Referring to 1 - 3 For example, the second reinforcing structure R2 may be on the second opposite side 50 the first bead seal 18 be educated. The second reinforcing structure R2 defines a second plurality of walls 72 including a reinforcing surface 73 and reinforcement sides 75 , each one the second opposite side 50 cut at a proximal end. The second plurality of walls 72 may be interconnected to define a closed end at a distal end. The height of the reinforcement surface 73 the second reinforcing structure R2 from the planar portion 14 is lower than the height of the first end surface 46 from the flat section 14 , and the reinforcement surface 73 is not brought into contact with the sealing surface. The second reinforcing structure R2 may extend in a direction opposite to the first reinforcing structure R1. Referring to 2 - 3 may be a third reinforcing structure R3 on the fourth opposite side 58 the second bead seal 20 be educated. The height of an upper surface of the third reinforcing structure R3 from the planar portion 14 is lower than the height of the second end surface 54 from the flat section 14 , and the upper surface is not brought into contact with the sealing surface. The third reinforcing structure R3 may define a closed end and be disposed directly over the first reinforcing structure R1. The third reinforcing structure R3 has a structure similar to the above-mentioned second reinforcing structure R2.

Referring to 2 can the second bead seal 20 fourth and fifth reinforcing structures R4, R5, respectively at the third and fourth opposite sides 56 . 58 are formed. The fourth and fifth reinforcing structures R4, R5 are arranged directly opposite one another. The fourth and fifth reinforcing structures R4, R5 extend in opposite directions from the second bead seal 20 away, each defining a closed end. The first bead seal 18 and / or the third bead seal 22 may include reinforcing structures disposed directly opposite each other, similarly to the fourth and fifth reinforcing structures R4, R5.

Referring to 2 has the third bead seal 22 a third end surface 76 of FIG the flat section 14 is spaced. The third bead seal 22 has fifth and sixth opposite sides 78 . 80 on, extending from the third end face 76 and adjacent to the flat section 14 extend. Referring to 2 can the third bead seal 22 a plurality of sixth reinforcing structures R6 extending at a predetermined fixed interval on the fifth opposite side 78 to repeat. The third bead seal 22 may include a plurality of seventh gain structures R7 located on the sixth opposite side at the predetermined fixed interval 80 to repeat.

The plurality of sixth and seventh reinforcing elements R6, R7 reduce the bead pressure in the middle of the third bead seal 22 , Each of the plurality of sixth reinforcing structures R6 may be disposed diagonally across (obliquely opposite) another one of the plurality of seventh reinforcing structures R7. In other words, a plurality of sixth and seventh reinforcing elements R6, R7 are not directly opposed to each other. This diagonal positioning achieves a further uniformity of the pressure distribution. The first bead seal 18 and / or the second bead seal 20 For example, diagonal positioning gain structures may be similar to the sixth and seventh gain structures R6, R7.

Referring to 3 can the assembly 10 a second plate 82 with a second plurality of bead seals 84 contain a mirror image of the plurality of bead seals 16 are and are configured to control the leakage of fluids between the first and second plates 12 . 82 to prevent . It is understood that the assembly 10 may comprise any number of plates as unipolar or bipolar plates. The outer surface of the first plate 12 may define flow paths for supplying an oxidant reactant while the outer surface of the second plate 82 Define flow paths for supplying a hydrogen reactant (or vice versa) for generating electrical energy. The first and the second plate 12 . 82 may be part of a stack (not shown) of over one hundred plates that are compressed and held together.

Referring to 4 can the assembly 10 an eighth reinforcing structure R8 extending from the planar portion 14 adjacent (or near) the first bead seal 18 and the second bead seal 20 protrudes. The eighth reinforcing structure R8 does not directly adjoin the first bead seal 18 and the second bead seal 20 but is between the first bead seal 18 and the second bead seal 20 intended. The eighth reinforcing structure R8 has a substantially triangular shape because it is between the first bead seal 18 and the second bead seal 20 is positioned, which are not parallel to each other.

The eighth reinforcing structure R8 includes an upper surface 90 coming from the plane section 14 is spaced, a first page 92 that's the first opposite side 48 the first bead seal 18 is facing and moving along the first opposite side 48 extends, and a second page 94 that the third opposite side 56 the second bead seal 20 is facing and moving along the third opposite side 56 extends. The upper surface 90 includes a recessed or concave section 91 , The recessed section 91 improves the rigidity of the reinforcing structure R8.

The first page 92 is formed to have an arcuate or concave shape (curved shape) along a curved portion of the wavy first bead seal 18 (the first opposite side 48 ), where the first page 92 lies. The first page 92 adjoins the upper surface 90 and the flat section 14 at. The second page 94 is formed to have an arcuate or concave shape (curved shape) along a curved portion of the corrugated second bead seal 20 (the third opposite side 56 ), where the second side 94 lies. The second page 94 adjoins the upper surface 90 and the flat section 14 at.

Further, in a case where the portion of the wavy first bead seal 18 where the first side 92 has a concave shape away from the eighth reinforcing structure R8, the first side 92 preferably an arcuate or convex shape (curved shape) to the first bead seal 18 have. Also in the case that the section of the corrugated second bead seal 20 where the second page 94 has a concave shape away from the eighth reinforcing structure R8, the second side may be 94 preferably an arcuate or convex shape (curved shape) to the second bead seal 20 exhibit.

The eighth reinforcing structure R8 may have a portion (protrusion) with the first side 92 and another section (protrusion) with the second side 94 separated from each other.

The detailed description and drawings or figures are supportive and descriptive of the disclosure, but the scope of the disclosure is defined solely by the claims. While some of the best modes and other embodiments for carrying out the claimed disclosure have been described in detail, various alternative constructions and embodiments for carrying out the disclosure as defined in the appended claims are provided. Further, the embodiments shown in the drawings or the characteristics of various embodiments mentioned in the present specification are not necessarily to be understood as independent embodiments. Rather, it is possible that each of the characteristics described in one of the examples of an embodiment may be combined with one or a plurality of other desired characteristics of other embodiments, resulting in other embodiments not by the text or by reference the drawings are described. Accordingly, other embodiments are within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims (10)

Panel assembly comprising: a first plate having a flat portion and having a first bead seal formed therein; wherein the first bead seal has a first end surface spaced from the planar portion; wherein the first bead seal has first and second opposite sides extending away from the first end surface and adjacent to the planar portion; and wherein the first bead seal has a first reinforcing structure having a first plurality of walls each intersecting the first opposite side of the first bead seal. Panel assembly comprising: a first plate having a planar portion and defining a plurality of openings; the first plate having a first bead seal formed therein, the first bead seal having a first end surface spaced from the planar portion; wherein the first bead seal has first and second opposite sides extending away from the first end surface and adjacent to the planar portion; wherein the first plate has a first reinforcing structure for the first bead seal, the first reinforcing structure having a first plurality of walls each intersecting the first opposite side of the first bead seal; the first plate having a second bead seal formed therein, the second bead seal having a second end surface spaced from the planar portion; wherein the second bead seal includes third and fourth opposing sides extending away from the second end surface and adjacent to the planar portion; and wherein the first bead seal and the second bead seal are connected via the first reinforcing structure such that the first plurality of walls of the first reinforcing structure intersect the third opposing side. Assembly after Claim 2 wherein the first plate defines a plurality of openings, the first bead seal circumscribing one of the plurality of openings; and the second bead seal circumscribes at least two of the plurality of openings, the second bead seal extending along an outer circumference of the first plate; the first plate comprises an active area having a plurality of sealing members spaced apart from each other, the second bead seal circumscribing the active area; the first plate has a substantially rectangular shape defining first and second plate edges; and the active area is positioned between the first and second plate edges. Assembly after Claim 3 , further comprising: a third reinforcing structure formed on the second opposite side of the second bead seal, the third reinforcing structure defining a closed end and disposed directly over the first reinforcing structure. Assembly after Claim 3 further comprising: fourth and fifth reinforcing structures formed respectively on the third and fourth opposite sides of the second bead seal; wherein the fourth and fifth reinforcing structures extend in opposite directions away from the second bead seal and each define a respective closed end. Assembly after Claim 3 further comprising: a first crossing plane defined at an intersection of the first bead seal and the first reinforcing structure; a second crossing plane defined at an intersection of the second bead seal and the first reinforcing structure; and a barrier positioned on at least one of the first and second crossing planes, wherein the barrier is configured to prevent fluid flow between the first bead seal and the second bead seal. Assembly after Claim 3 wherein the first plate has a third bead seal formed therein; the third bead seal has a third end surface spaced from the planar portion; the third bead seal has fifth and sixth opposite sides extending away from the third end surface and adjacent to the planar portion; and further comprising: a plurality of sixth reinforcing structures formed on the fifth opposite side of the third bead seal and repeating at a predefined fixed interval; a plurality of seventh reinforcing structures formed on the sixth opposite side of the third bead seal and repeating in the predefined fixed interval; and wherein each of the plurality of sixth reinforcement structures is disposed diagonally opposite another one of the plurality of seventh reinforcement structures. Panel assembly comprising: a first plate having a flat portion and having a first bead seal formed therein; wherein the first bead seal has a first end surface spaced from the planar portion; wherein the first bead seal has first and second opposite sides extending away from the first end surface and adjacent to the planar portion; and wherein the plate assembly further comprises a reinforcing structure projecting from the planar portion, the reinforcing structure having a first side spaced from and facing the first opposing side of the first bead seal, the first side extending along the first opposing side , Assembly after Claim 8 wherein: the first plate has a second bead seal projecting therefrom; the second bead seal has a second end surface spaced from the planar portion and having third and fourth opposite sides extending away from the second end surface and abutting the planar portion; and the reinforcing structure is positioned between the first bead seal and the second bead seal and has a second side, the second side being spaced from and facing the third opposing side of the second bead seal, the second side extending along the third opposing side. Assembly after Claim 9 wherein a portion of the first bead seal and a portion of the second bead seal are not parallel to each other; and the reinforcing structure has a substantially triangular shape and is disposed between the portion of the first bead seal and the portion of the second bead seal which are not parallel to each other.

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